Why Manchester United are right in having second thoughts regarding Paul Pogba

ESPN reported that Manchester United will not be offering Pogba any unreasonable increase in weekly wages. The club activated the extra one year on his current contract, thereby extending his stay until 2022. Nonetheless, they are keen on agreeing fresh and longer terms but without any extravagant rise in his current salary.

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The 27-year-old French midfielder started his youth career at Roissy-en-Brie in 1999 before moving to Torcy after 7 years. Le Havre recruited him in 2007 and he spent the next two seasons there.

Interestingly enough, he joined Manchester United’s academy in 2009 and progressed through the youth ranks to appear in three senior games. However, he let his contract run down and moved to Juventus on a free transfer.

Alongside some stellar names, Pogba shone the brightest at Juve. He was given full freedom to express himself and in 4 years time, he was seen as one of the best young midfielders in the world. In 178 games for Juventus, he scored 34 goals and assisted 4 (source – Transfermarkt).

Manchester United had to swallow humble pie when they re-signed him for a (then) world-record transfer in 2016. So far, Pogba has had a mixed bag at United. Capable of world-class performances, fans have seen too little of the Pogba they saw at Juventus. It has all been bits and pieces as he has struggled with form and injuries.

The midfielder is a stalwart for France with 71 games and 10 goals as he helped them to a FIFA World Cup in 2018.

Manchester United are right in their stance

In the post-Ferguson era, Manchester United have made significantly bad transfer decisions. The most recent one was Alexis Sanchez, who only regressed significantly. He hardly played a role at Old Trafford and was a huge flop.

The club have looked to learn from their mistakes and have been sensible in their transfer fees, targets and the wages offered. Pogba currently earns £270,000 per week, which is significantly high.

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Pogba is a good player and maybe even deserves the wages. But given his inconsistency, the club are right in having second thoughts about offering him a huge raise. Add to that Pogba’s recent comments on playing for Real Madrid being a dream. This proves that the club are taking the correct decision to not give him a significant raise.